In a news release issued Monday, Fallin also said Ridley will continue as director of the Oklahoma Department of Transportation and director of the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority.

Fallin says she worked with Ridley while she was serving as lieutenant governor and as a congresswoman, and can attest to his expertise and dedication.

Ridley served as transportation secretary under Gov. Brad Henry. He has been director of ODOT since 2001.

He began his work with the Transportation Department in 1965, when he joined the department as an equipment operator. He also worked as a division engineer for the agency before leaving in 1997 to become the executive director of the Oklahoma Asphalt Paving Association.